The 9 Best Popcorn Kernels for Your Every Occasion Treats

Popcorns are simply irresistible. They’re very addicting and have long been associated with movies. That’s the reason why movies are doubly exciting to watch with a newly popped bag or two of the best popcorn kernels. The secret to making delectable popcorn is actually in the kernels. Whatever flavor you choose, it won’t be as great tasting as those in theaters if the kernels are of low quality.

The Types of Popcorn Kernels

Butterfly popcorns

Going by the name alone, you would expect butterfly popcorns to have wings. This type of kernel had an irregular shape when popped and littered with wings. Butterfly popcorns are widely sold in movie houses and sports arenas.

Mushroom popcorns

Mushroom popcorns are plump, ball-shaped, and larger in size. The mushroom kernel popcorn is ideal to coat with caramel, cheese or chocolate. Garre﻿tt has one of the best mushroom popcorn around!

White Popcorn Vs Yellow Popcorn

It’s interesting to note that popcorn kernels come in a variety of colors too. They are different types of popcorn kernels. The kernels can be white, yellow, black, blue, green, purple, and red. Sizes of popcorn kernel vary as well from small, medium to large.

However, as to the end-product, there are only two dominant colors: white or yellow. There are only slight distinctions between the white and yellow popcorn. The smaller white is tender while the larger yellow is crunchier and fluffier.

So, white vs yellow popcorn. Which one is it?

Honestly, as to the taste, ask any popcorn lover and you’ll see that white or yellow is equally fine. In the final reckoning, it’s in the cooking of the best popcorn kernels and the end result that truly matters.

Where to Pop the Popcorn Kernels

When you’re craving for popcorn, there are 3 three ways to pop them at home. The popping will depend on how you want your popcorn kernels to turn out and what cooking equipment you have in the kitchen.

1. Stove

Before the advent of the microwave ovens, the old-fashioned way to make homemade popcorn is to use the stove. Preparation is more tedious compared to the modern way. It takes practice and skills to produce the desired popcorn.

It might take you several hits and misses before you achieve consistency and turn out the perfect popcorn every time. At first, you’ll produce more burnt kernels on the stove and less popcorn to enjoy.

2. Microwave

The microwave oven or a convection oven is the most convenient appliance you can use to make homemade popcorn. It’s less messy and quick to satisfy your craving.

The microwavable popcorn in bags you purchase at the grocery store usually takes at least 2 minutes of cooking time. Or simply follow the instructions. However, at times it doesn’t turn out the desired popcorn. You would be disappointed to see that some kernels did not pop at all.

When you’re buying the ready-to-cook popcorn, check the shelf life or expiry date. You need to factor in the age as it affects how the kernel pops. Also, usually those ready-to-cook popcorns come in prepacked are the best popcorn kernels for microwave use.

Inspect if the bag is properly sealed to lock in freshness. Keep in mind that the popping success rate differs from brand to brand.

Another option to save on costs is to have your own bag or microwavable bowl to place your kernels in. Season them with condiments for flavoring then cook in the microwave.

3. Hot Air Poppers

Unlike the stove and microwave where you don’t see your kernels popping, the popcorn air popper will give you the view. Watch the kernels swirl inside the cooking chamber of this motorized miniature machine. See them pop when the heating temperature hits the critical point.

The popcorns are then pushed out of the chamber out into the receiving bowl. You don’t need oil to cook popcorn in the hot air popper. The downside again is the number of kernels that did not pop plus sometimes a slightly chewier popcorn texture.

Currently, the best hot air popcorn poppers in the market are from Franklin's Gourmet Popcorn and TWOBIU. These 2 models have hundreds of satisfied buyers as well as high ratings and they are also considered the best home popcorn maker. Also, the Franklin's Gourmet unlike those stainless steel hot air popcorn poppers, it is made of aluminum which can distribute heat better.

Choosing the Popcorn Kernels

Trying to find the best popcorn kernels can be rather tricky. In all likelihood, you would go for the best popcorn brand. However, manage your expectations while choosing because even the top brands differ in the end products. There’s nothing more annoying than seeing half-popped and burnt kernels in your snack bowl.

If you are after the freshest, flavorsome, and simply the best popping kernels, below are some of the best popcorn kernels rated highly in preference by popcorn lovers like you.

The Top 3 Best Popcorn Kernels Reviews

Gold Medal Products Co Popcorn (24 count 8oz popcorn/Coconut Oil kit)

This Gold Medal variant is on top the heap of popcorn kernels. The Mega Pop is a premium treat that will make you crave for more popcorn.

The kernels turn out into the right sizes of popcorn blended with a buttery taste.

You’ll get the most out of your purchase as the pack can deliver 8-9 servings.

The popcorn kernels are high in quality; meaning every kernel pops and is consistently good.

You can cook it in a kettle, popcorn poppers or microwave.

The pack comes with popping oil with butter flavor and Flavacol seasoning salt to give the right butter and salty taste.

Like what you read so far? How about help us to spread this AWESOME post to your friend and family? Your shout-out will help to motivate us to create more great posts for you and everyone else. Thanks for your support!

Check out this post for 'The 9 Best Popcorn Kernels for Your Every Occasion Treats'

Our Pick

We go through hundreds of products listing at Amazon and also study the ratings left by previous buyers to find the best popcorn kernels for you. Besides that, we also calculate the overall net customer satisfaction (NCS) grade because we want to see how happy is the previous buyers with their purchase of the product.

From our finding, we can say that Gold Medal Products Co, Great Northern Popcorn Company and Orville Redenbacher's are the best popcorn kernels brands. These brands are popular and received many excellent ratings for their products.

The Snack That Everyone Loves

Popcorn is the undisputed king of snacks in movie theaters. You can also make it the default treat in your home with the above featured best popcorn kernels. It’s a wonderful time for the family to come together and enjoy watching movies with freshly popped and nutritious corn kernels. No more lines but just cool, wholesome fun in the comfort of your home.

Hello there! Let's get connected

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER!

Join over 1,000 readers who get the best advice delivered straight to their inbox.

Let's Connect

Join over 1,000 readers who get the best advice delivered straight to their inbox.

Guides, Tips & More!

JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER TODAY!

About the author

Hi! My name is Gordan Ladd and welcome to Gordan Ladd's Kitchen - a blog that writes all about my culinary experience. Here you can find all sorts of guides and tips for food and cooking as well as best kitchenware reviews and more. Stay for a while and let me know what you think of my site. Or head over to my blog and see all my awesome posts I have ready for you.

Disclaimer

The information contained on this website is for entertainment purposes only and should not be used in place of advice from a professional. Also, this blog makes a living through purchases made through advertisement, partners and affiliate sites, such as Amazon. The earning will help Gordan Ladd's Kitchen continue to create awesome blog posts and do regular maintenance. For more info, please visit the privacy policy and disclaimer.